GS-Riders International

I bought the FLM Freeway III more than a year ago already. Together with the base plate the Freeway III costs ~ Euro 100 / US$ 145 / S$ 210 at Polo. The same tank bag is also available from Bikes and More under the Famsa brand, or in the USA from Helmethead Cycle Gear .

The shape of the bag matches the bulge on top of the BMW tank. The capacity is 13 liters, expandable to 19 liters. I store my water bottle, camera equipment, a towel, and maps in it. The rear pouch is good for my spare glasses, passports, electronic payments cards, or such. The side pouches take keys, some mints which I love to eat, my hand phone, a foldable (shopping) bag, and the tank bag's rain cover. The rain cover is a very loose fit. It is blown up like a bubble at high speeds, but doesn't blow off since it is stiff.





Fixing the adapter plate or removing it is not difficult, but can be bit tedious if you don't want to keep it on the bike. The seat has to be removed, too.



The front strap goes around the steering head.



The adapter plate stays reasonable firm for an entire holiday. Even with heavy items loaded it does not shake or move much, if the straps are tightened well. So far I have not noticed any scratches on the tank. Handling when topping up fuel is not easy. It means opening the connector zip at least to half, holding the tank bag with one hand, while the other one operates the fuel gun. If the zip is opened too much it will undo. Fiddling it back is quite difficult with a loaded tank back. The adapter plate can remain on the bike permanent, but it does not look too pretty.




Plus
- Made from thick and heavy material
- Does not flutter or move
- After one year of usage the fabric still look almost like new ...

Minus
- ... except some rusty rivets
- The map compartment is a bit too small for storing an entire page of a standard folded map
- Topping up fuel somewhat cumbersome

Conclusion
Satisfactory mid sized tank bag. For the money quite ok for the occasional tank bag user.